Cyprus shipping deputy ministry joins talks on sustainable blue economy

Limassol district local government organisation (EOA) president Yiannis Tsouloftas this week met with shipping deputy minister Marina Hadjimanolis to discuss cooperation opportunities under the European EIT Water initiative.

The meeting took place on Thursday with the participation of Limassol district local government organisation director general Socrates Metaxas, officials of the organisation and representatives of the Shipping Deputy Ministry.

The discussion was held in the context of EIT Water, in which the Limassol district local government organisation participates as a founding member.

EIT Water is the European Union’s new Knowledge and Innovation Community dedicated to water, marine and maritime sectors, created by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology to accelerate solutions addressing environmental, economic and social pressures on Europe’s water systems.

The initiative was announced in November 2025 and represents the tenth Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC) within the EIT network, bringing together businesses, universities, research institutions, ports, non-governmental organisations and small and medium-sized enterprises.

Its objective is to support entrepreneurial education, innovation projects and the creation of new businesses, while connecting innovators, researchers and learners through Europe’s largest innovation ecosystem.

The initiative adopts an integrated approach to freshwater, marine and maritime environments, aiming to strengthen the pipeline of talent and accelerate the adoption of new technologies across Europe.

EIT Water will prioritise three major challenges. These include water scarcity and droughts, the degradation of marine and freshwater ecosystems, and the development of a circular and sustainable blue economy.

During the meeting, the participants examined “prospects for cooperation and the potential to utilise Cyprus’ strong maritime presence to support European innovation“.

The discussion also highlighted “the strategic importance of maritime activity and marine ecosystems for the development of new technologies and sustainable practices“.

The Limassol district local government organisation said it “continues to take part actively in European initiatives that promote innovation, sustainable development and cooperation in sectors of strategic importance”.

The meeting forms part of a broader effort to strengthen collaboration between local authorities and national institutions involved in maritime policy and innovation.

The talks were also intended to reinforce Cyprus’ role within European research and innovation programmes connected to maritime and environmental development.

The organisation reiterated its commitment to supporting projects that advance sustainable maritime practices and innovative solutions for marine ecosystems.

The engagement with the Shipping Deputy Ministry comes shortly after Tsouloftas visited the facilities of DP World at Limassol port on Wednesday to review operations at one of Cyprus’ most important logistics hubs.

During the visit, he was briefed on the situation by DP World Cyprus chief executive officer Simon Pitout and government relations and public affairs manager Doros Arestis.

The visit focused on assessing the current status of port operations and maritime activity amid the recent tensions affecting parts of the wider region.

“Despite the recent disturbances in the region, it is confirmed that all port operations continue normally and without interruption and that the port is fully staffed and operating under normal conditions for all commercial and shipping activities,” said Tsouloftas at the time.

The EOA president also highlighted the role of European cooperation in supporting the maritime sector.

“We appreciate the continued support from our European partners and remain committed to ensuring the safety and efficiency of shipping and port activities in Cyprus,” he said.